Oral Health Status of Elderly Living in Residential Homes at Damanhour City, Egypt

Background: Oral health is essential to overall health of older adults and their quality
of life. Objective: the aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of elderly living in
residential homes at Damanhour City, Egypt. Setting: The study was conducted at the
available governmental residential home in Damanhour City. Subjects: all available elders
age 60 years and above, accepted to participate in the study and residing in the previously
mentioned setting. Tools: data was collected using structured interview schedule, Oral Health
Assessment Tool and a self-reported Oral Health Assessment Index. Results: The results
revealed that the mean age of elders were 69.07 ±6.34 years, females constituted 44.0% and
males were 56.0%. Oral health status was perceived as good by 26.2% of the male compared
to 15.1% of females. Nearly three-quarters of males and 63.6% of females don't brush their
teeth. Subsequently, 59.1% of males suffer from toothache versus 50.0% of females and
88.6% of the studied elders could not afford dental care service. Conclusion: The present
study concluded that the majority of elders had poor oral health status because of their lack
of access and utilization of dental care services; consequently there is high percentage of
dental problems. Recommendations: The study recommended that developing appropriate
and effective oro-dental health care programs oriented to this age group is an essential
requirement.